Bird Whittling Class

Whittle a comfort bird in wood!



3 hours Class size 1 to 30 guests    

  $120 - $130 ($130 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $120/guest for 2+ guests) (Afterpay available)

No longer running this class sorry
Whittle your own comfort bird in Melbourne!
A comfort bird is a small wooden carving designed to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. Traditionally, these gentle forms are given as tokens of care, love, and support—their smooth curves and organic warmth bringing a sense of calm and connection to the natural world.
In this hands-on whittling class, you'll learn how to carve your very own comfort bird from timber. Along the way, you’ll discover how to prepare wood for carving, safely handle a whittling knife, and care for your tools — including stropping and sharpening techniques.
No experience is needed—your friendly and experienced instructor will guide you step by step. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you gain confidence and skill as your bird takes shape before your eyes.
By the end of the session, you’ll take home your beautifully carved comfort bird, a small, meaningful object to hold, gift, or treasure.
Come along and experience the simple joy of shaping wood with your hands and leave with something truly special.
What you'll get
  • One bird carving blank to work on during class
  • The option to purchase additional blanks and whittling knives on the day
  • A comfort bird carved in wood to take home.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
Smiles!
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Richmond, VIC

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Bird Whittling Class location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Bird Whittling Class

  • 5/5 from Laura McFarlane, attended Jun 2026: Very peaceful class. We received a roughly hewn bird-like piece of wood and got whittling straight away. We were able to go at our own pace but receive instruction at the same time. Left feeling absolutely chuffed with the birds we made!
  • 5/5 from Jacqueline Truong, attended Jun 2026: Wanda was a lovely and patient teacher. Such a fun activity and would highly recommend to anyone looking to try something different!
  • 5/5 from Simer Khaira, attended Jun 2026: Wanda was very patient. I had a great time
  • 5/5 from Belinda Johnston, attended May 2026: We thoroughly enjoyed this class and made easier by the clear instructions and individual guidance offered throughout. Wanda was really lovely and engaging, her teaching style was not only effective but supportive. We were genuinely excited by how our birds turned out. Highly recommend!
  • 5/5 from Carmel Brancati, attended May 2026: Wanda was a great teacher for beginners. Made us feel comfortable and confident in learning her skills. Enjoyed this class very much.
  • 5/5 from Karly Hutchison, attended May 2026: Wanda was very informative with teaching for the bird whittling class. Really liked the small group and relaxed venue. Booking was easy and the class was easy and fun - great for a chilled weekend activity.
  • 5/5 from Leigh Taylor, attended Apr 2026: “Best session we’ve ever had, and very good teaching skills. I recommend it to others who like woodworking” (M, 9 years old) We had the best of fun and enjoyed ourselves. Thanks so much to Wanda who was very patient and knowledgeable! (L, adult)
  • 5/5 from Jo Dabrowski, attended Mar 2026: Wanda's class was a delight. My 14 year old son and I loved learning about how to whittle. Wanda was very patient and kind. We look forward to finishing our birds off at home and keeping up the whittling!
  • 5/5 from Nivanka de Silva, attended Feb 2026: Really enjoyable class, almost meditative. There’s not a lot of didactic teaching (but the teacher Wanda did guide us about knife holding technique, and safety). Most of the class is you slowly whittling away at your own pace and Wanda is there to ask questions. Wanda was patient, gentle and very approachable. Thank you!
  • 5/5 from Brigette Cameron, attended Jan 2026: Wanda is a wonderful, patient, gentle, knowledgeable teacher. I really enjoyed the class and highly recommend it. Fun.
  • 5/5 from Erika Nardozzi, attended Jan 2026: The class was fabulous, well organised, informative, and Wanda is an excellent teacher! Highly recommend this class to all ages and all skill levels. A great day, thank you.
  • 5/5 from Christine Phillips, attended Jan 2026: My 10 and 14 year old did this class and absolutely loved it!
  • 5/5 from Ryan Han, attended Dec 2025: Wanda was so lovely! I was a bit worried because I had no experience at all but she was really friendly and I had the best time. 10 out of 10, highly recommend it! Thank you Wanda! *Before and after photos for those interested - my bird turned out to be so cute
  • 5/5 from Claire Benne, attended Dec 2025: I loved this class. Wanda was very chill, but also very helpful, when needed. We were able to work at our level, but had the support of Wanda when we needed it. I found the whittling relaxing and I appreciated the opportunity to purchase my knife and additional blanks so I could continue on at home.
  • 5/5 from Lena Xiao, attended Nov 2025: Wanda was super friendly and accommodating. I asked if we could whittle a cat instead, so that's what we did :) I had a great time whittling and chatting with Wanda! Eventually I bought a carving knife and plan to continue at home. The one on the left is mine. My cat thinks I could do better
  • 5/5 from Felicia Capuzza, attended Nov 2025: Such a relaxing and enjoyable class! Wanda was welcoming and helpful, and made it easy to understand the whittling process and techniques. I left the class very satisfied with the experience and my little bird. The class was held in a lovely light-filled room on the second floor of the studio, which was accessible by a narrow curved staircase.
  • 5/5 from Carolyn Martin, attended Nov 2025: Really enjoyable class with Wanda. She is lovely and provides great instruction in a friendly environment. I am so chuffed with my little bird and I bought some blanks to continue what I have learnt at home.
  • 5/5 from Prudence Shaw, attended Oct 2025: Wanda is an absolute delight. My sister and I thought we would try something different thinking it could go either way. We're addicted.Wanda is a fabulous teacher. Kind and encouraging making it so easy. We both came away with birds we love with materials to make more. Thank you so much.
Your teacher

Wanda Gillespie
Wanda Gillespie

5.0 (27)
female Women-owned

I’m Wanda Gillespie, a contemporary artist, woodcarver, and sculptor based in Naarm/Melbourne. My journey into woodcarving began over 15 years ago after an inspiring artist residency in Indonesia, which sparked my deep connection to this traditional craft. Since then, I’ve been honing my skills and exploring the expressive possibilities of wood.
For the past eight years, I’ve been teaching woodcarving, both privately and in small classes. I’m passionate about sharing this craft with others, especially through chip carving—a great entry point for beginners that only requires one tool, the chip carving knife. I also love teaching more ornamental and figurative carving, whether in relief or in the round, and helping students discover the beauty and versatility of working with wood.
I studied Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts, and I was honoured to receive a fellowship to teach undergraduate students in the Sculpture department. My work has been exhibited in numerous high-profile exhibitions and art prizes, and I regularly hold solo exhibitions. Over the years, my woodcarving has evolved, and I’ve developed a particular focus on portrait and figurative sculptures, which allow me to capture intricate details and emotional depth in the medium of wood.

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2026-10-23 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production melbourne Melbourne VIC AU melbourne